Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Symbol of the Government of Canada

ARCHIVED - RPP 2007-2008
National Research Council Canada


Warning This page has been archived.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.


Section III – Supplementary Information

Organizational Information

NRC Mandate

Under the National Research Council Act, NRC is responsible for:

  • Undertaking, assisting or promoting scientific and industrial research in different fields of importance to Canada.
  • Establishing, operating and maintaining a national science library.
  • Publishing and selling or otherwise distributing such scientific and technical information as the Council deems necessary.
  • Investigating standards and methods of measurement.
  • Working on the standardization and certification of scientific and technical apparatus and instruments and materials used or usable by Canadian industry.
  • Operating and administering any astronomical observatories established or maintained by the Government of Canada.
  • Administering NRC's research and development activities, including grants and contributions used to support a number of international activities.
  • Providing vital scientific and technological services to the research and industrial communities.

Consult http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showtdm/cs/N-15 for more details about NRC’s legislative framework.

NRC Accountability Framework

NRC reports directly to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Industry.  NRC works in partnership with the members of the Industry Portfolio to leverage complementary resources and exploit synergies in areas such as innovation of firms through S&T, growth of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) and economic growth of Canadian communities.  The NRC Council provides strategic direction and advice to the President and reviews organizational performance. The President is the leader, responsible for fulfilling corporate strategies and delivering results.  Five Vice Presidents (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Technology and Industry Support and Corporate Services) are responsible for a portfolio of research institutes, programs, and centres. Figure 3-1, provides an overview of NRC’s organization.

Figure 3-1: NRC Organizational Chart

Figure 3-1: NRC Organizational Chart Minister of Industry - NRC Council - President - NRC Human Resources Branch - NRC Finance Branch - Secretary General - NRC Legal Services - Vice-President Life Sciences - NRC Biotechnology Research Institute (NRC-BRI) - NRC Institute for Biodiagnostics (NRC-IBD) - NRC Institute for Biological Sciences (NRC-IBS) - NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences (NRC-IMB) - NRC Plant Biotechnology (NRC-PBI) - Vice-President Physical Sciences - NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (NRC-HIA) - NRC Institute for Chemical Process & Environmental Technology (NRC-ICPET) - NRC Institute for Information Technology (NRC-IIT) - NRC Institute for Microstructural Sciences (NRC-IMS) - NRC Institute for National Measurement Standards (NRC-INMS) - NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology (NRC-NINT) - NRC Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences (NRC-SIMS) - Vice-President Engineering - NRC Institute for Aerospace Research (NRC-IAR) - NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI) - NRC Industrial Materials Institute (NRC-IMI) - NRC Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute (NRC-IMTI) - NRC Institute for Ocean Technology (NRC-IOT) - NRC Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) - NRC Canadian Hydraulics Centre (NRC-CHC) - NRC Centre for Surface Transportation Technology (NRC-CSTT) - Vice-President Technology & Industry Support - NRC Canada Institute for Scientific & Technical Information (NRC-CISTI) - NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) - Vice-President Corporate Services - NRC Administrative Services & Property Management (NRC-ASPM) - NRC Strategy & Development Branch (NRC-SDB) - NRC Information Management Services Branch (NRC-IMSB) - NRC Communications & Corporate Relations (NRC-CCR)

NRC Resources

Table 3-1:  Agency Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents

 

($ millions)

Forecast
Spending
2006-20071

Planned
Spending
2007-2008

Planned
Spending
2008-2009

Planned
Spending
2009-2010

Research and Development

498.0

459.5

523.5

527.0

Technology and Industry Support

194.4

212.9

242.5

237.5

Budgetary Main Estimates (gross)

692.4

672.4

766.0

764.5

Non-Budgetary Main Estimates (gross)

0.0

0.0

0.0

 

Less: Respendable revenue

0.0

0.0

0.0

 

Total Main Estimates

692.4

672.4

766.0

764.5

Adjustments:2

 

 

 

 

Procurement Savings:

 

 

 

 

Research and Development

(1.5)

 

 

 

Technology and Industry Support

(0.7)

 

 

 

Biotechnology Budget 99

 

 

6.0

6.0

Capital Carry Forward

0.9

1.0

 

 

Collective Bargaining 05-06

13.5

 

 

 

Collective Bargaining 05-07 Employee Benefits Plan

2.7

 

 

 

Climate Change

(0.4)

 

 

 

Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC)

1.0

 

 

 

TRIUMF

6.2

 

 

 

Treasury Board Vote 10 - Operations

 

0.3

 

 

Renewal of NRC’s Central & Western Cluster Initiatives (Round II – Phase 2)

 

38.7

39.7

39.7

Total Adjustments2

21.7

39.9

45.7

45.7

Total Planned Spending

714.1

712.3

811.7

810.2

 

 

 

 

 

Total planned Spending
Less: Spending of Revenues Pursuant to section 5(1)(e) of the NRC Act

73.5

75.4

75.4

75.4

Plus: Cost of services received without charge

20.5

23.1

23.1

23.8

Total Departmental Spending

661.1

660.1

759.4

758.6

Full time Equivalents

4,033

4,044

4,076

4,127

Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add to total shown
1 Reflects best forecast of total planned spending to the end of the fiscal year.
2 Adjustments are to accommodate approvals obtained since the Main Estimates and are to include    Budget, Initiatives, Supplementary Estimates, etc.


Table 3-2:  Resources by Program by Activity


2007-2008

Budgetary

Program Activity

Operating1

Capital

Grants

Contributions and Other Transfer Payments

Gross

Research & Development

314.9 40.0 1.1 56.7 412.6

Technology and Industry Support

97.0 1.3 0.3 85.9 184.5

Total

411.9 41.3 1.2 142.5 597.1
Program Activity Spending of Revenues Total
Main
Estimates
Adjustments (planned spending not in Main Estimates) Total Planned Spending  
Research & Development 46.9 459.5 32.8 492.3  
Technology and Industry Support 28.5 212.9 7.1 220.0  
Total 75.4 672.5 39.8 712.3  

Table 3-3:  Voted and Statutory Items ($ millions)


Vote or
Statutory Item

 

Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording

Current Main
Estimates

Previous Main
Estimates

55

Operating expenditures

365.7

393.5

60

Capital expenditures

41.3

47.0

65

Grants and contributions

144.0

130.3

(S)

Spending of revenues pursuant to paragraph 5(1)(e) of the National Research Council Act

75.4

73.5

(S)

Contributions to employee benefits plans

46.2

48.1

 

Total Agency

672.5

692.4

Note:  Due to rounding, figures may not add to total shown.

Budgetary/

 

Loans, Investments and Advances

($ millions)

($ millions)

2006-2007

2007-2008

Net
Increase/(Decrease)

2006-2007

2007-2008

Net Increase/
(Decrease)

692.4

672.5

(19.9)

-

-

-

Explanation of Major Changes
The Main Estimates for the National Research Council are $672.5 million, a net decrease of $19.9 million.  The major changes are as follows: 

Decrease of $19.9 million in budgetary spending due to:

Operating ($27.8) million:

  • An increase of $10.2M for salaries and benefits related to collective agreements
  • An increase of $1.5M related to the termination of the annual transfer to Industry Canada for the IRAP/TPC Pre-Commercialization Assistance Program.
  • A decrease of $2.2M related to the Expenditure Review Committee Savings - Procurement
  • A decrease of $5.7M related to the sunset of the Aluminium Technology Centre Initiative.  NRC received $27M over 5 years starting in 2002-2003 to establish an Aluminium Technology Centre in Chicoutimi Quebec.
  • A decrease of $6M, representing a year over year change in approved cash flow requirements for the Innovation Centre Clusters (Regina/PEI/Alma).  NRC received $50M over the five year period starting in 2003-2004 for leading edge technologies and to expand NRC's regional innovation and technology cluster initiatives.
  • A decrease of $28.6M related to the sunset of the Regional Innovation/National Innovation Infrastructure Initiative. NRC received $183M over 5 years starting in 2002-03 to fund new programs and initiatives.
  • An increase of $1.9M related to the change in forecast for statutory revenue.
  • Capital $(5.7) million
  • A decrease of $4.9M related to the sunset of the Regional Innovation/National Innovation Infrastructure Initiative. NRC received $183M over 5 years, starting in 2002-03 to fund new programs and initiatives.
  • Transfer Payment – Contributions & Other $13.6 million
  • An increase of $13.45M related to the termination of the annual transfer to Industry Canada for the IRAP/TPC Pre-Commercialization Assistance Program.

 


Table 3-4:  Services Received Without Charge


2007-2008 ($ millions)

Total

Accommodation provided by Public Works and the Government Services Canada (PWGSC)

0.1

Contributions covering employer’s share of employees’ insurance premiums and expenditures paid by TBS (excluding revolving funds), Employer’s contribution to employees insured benefits plans and expenditures paid by TBS

21.4

Worker’s compensation coverage provided by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

0.3

Salary and Associated expenditures of legal services provided by Department of Justice Canada

0.8

Audit Services provides by the Office of the Auditor General

0.4

Payroll Services provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada

0.2

2007-2008 Services Received Without Charge

23.1


Table 3-5:  Summary of Capital Spending by Program Activity


 

($ millions)

Forecast
Spending
2006-20071

Planned
Spending
2007-2008

Planned
Spending
2008-2009

Planned
Spending
2009-2010

Research and Development

45.7

53.7

43.1

43.1

Technology and Industry Support

1.3

4.0

2.7

2.7

Total

47.0

57.7

45.7

45.7


Table 3-6:  Details of Revenue


Spending of revenues pursuant to the NRC Act
($ millions)

Forecast
Spending
2006-20071

Planned
Spending
2007-2008

Planned
Spending
2008-2009

Planned
Spending
2009-
2010

Research and Development

 

 

 

 

Fee for Service

31.4

45.9

45.5

45.4

Rentals

3.1

3.6

3.7

3.9

Royalties

5.5

3.8

4.3

3.7

Publications

7.3

 

 

 

Other

2.7

3.5

3.3

3.0

Technology and Industry Support

 

 

 

 

Fee for Service

1.1

27.4

26.6

25.7

Rentals

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

Royalties

0.1

 

 

 

Publications

21.4

 

 

 

Other

0.7

 

 

 

Total

73.5

84.4

83.5

82.0


Table 3-7:  Resource Requirements by Branch or Sector


2007-2008

($ millions) Business Lines

Organization

Research and Development

Technology and
Industry Support

Total

Research Institutes

493.1

 

493.1

Industrial Research Assistance Program

 

159.7

159.7

Scientific and Technical Information

 

53.9

53.9

Technology Centres

 

5.5

5.5

Total

493.1

219.3

712.4


Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add to total shown

Table 3-8:  User Fees (see note)


NRC collects between $60 million to $70 million in revenues annually; however, none of it is applicable to the User Fee Act (UFA) for the following reasons:

  • As the definition and criteria upon which a User Fee is determined is very specific to the operations and legislative framework within each department, Treasury Board advised departments to seek legal counsel within their own department to assess its application.
  • NRC’s Legal and Financial Advisory Services examined the application of the UFA as it related to the various sources of NRC’s revenue.  This examination resulted in the legal opinion that the UFA was not applicable to NRC because NRC does not fix its fees pursuant to the authority of an act of Parliament and that NRC uses its common law right of the Crown to contract.  None of NRC’s revenue is derived as a result of regulation and most of its revenue is based upon negotiated agreements.

Table 3-9:  Project Spending

Over the next three years, NRC expects to undertake the following projects that require Treasury Board approval as they exceed NRC’s delegated authority level.  Further information on these projects may be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20072008/p3a-eng.asp.


2007-2008

Lease Project Approval for the Institute for Nutrisciences and Health, Project Implementation Phase (Prince Edward Island) I-APL

Lease Project Approval for the National Institute for Nanotechnology – Project Implementation Phase (Alberta) I-APL


Details on Project Spending


 ($ millions)

Current Estimated Total Cost

Forecast Spending to March 31, 2007

Planned Spending
2007–2008

Planned Spending
2008–2009

Planned Spending
2009–2010

Future Years’ Spending Requirement

Research & Development

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alberta

Lease Project Approval for the National Institute for Nanotechnology – Project Implementation Phase (I-LPA)[1]

133.9

11.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

115.0

Prince Edward Island

Lease Project Approval for the Institute for Nutrisciences and Health – Project Implementation Phase (I-LPA)[2]

23.3

1.7

0.5

0.5

0.5

20.1


[1] Includes cost of potential long-term lease as well as lease project costs as per TBS directive

[2] Project included due to the potential long-term duration of the lease.  Includes initial fit-up and moving costs

Table 3-10:  Transfer Payment Programs

Over the next three years, the National Research Council will manage the following transfer payment programs valued at over $5 million.  Further information on the Transfer Payments may be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20072008/p3a-eng.asp.


2007-2008 to 2009-2010

Tri-University Meson Facility (TRIUMF)

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

International Astronomy Observatories and Canadian Participation in International Facilities


Details on Transfer Payments Program


Name of Transfer Payment Program: Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

Start Date:  1962-63

End Date:  Ongoing

Description
NRC-IRAP is the agency's innovation and technology assistance program in support of Canadian SMEs. Since its inception close to 60 years ago, the program has broadened its strategic purpose from a limited focus on technology transfer to its current strategic objective of increasing the innovative capabilities of Canadian SMEs. Today NRC-IRAP provides comprehensive innovation assistance to technology-based SMEs in almost every industrial sector of importance to Canada's current and future economic development.

Strategic Outcome(s):
Stimulate wealth creation for Canada through technological innovation; Stimulate innovation in Canadian SMEs

Expected Results:
To increase the innovation capacity of Canadian SMEs
To increase the growth of Canadian SMEs

Immediate Outcomes:
Increased skills, knowledge and competencies of Canadian SMEs
Improved management practices of Canadian SMEs
Increased and enhanced innovation services and support for SMEs
Enhanced strategic linkages for Canadian SMEs

Intermediate Outcomes:
Increased innovation capacity of Canadian SMEs
Improved financial performance of Canadian SMEs
Increased number of SMEs successfully commercializing their technologies
Enhanced productivity of SMEs
Enhanced Canadian innovation infrastructure

  ($ millions)

Forecast Spending 2006–2007

Planned Spending 2007–2008

Planned Spending  2008–2009

Planned Spending  2009–2010

Technology & Industry Support

 

 

 

 

Total Grants

 

0.3

0.3

0.3

Total Contributions

71.2

88.5

90.9

90.9

Total Other Types of Transfer Payments

 

 

 

 

Total Technology & Industry Support

71.2

88.5

90.9

90.9

Total NRC-IRAP

71.2

88.5

90.9

90.9

Planned Evaluations:

Evaluation of Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP): September 2006 – September 2007



Name of Transfer Payment Program: Tri-University Meson Facility (TRIUMF)

Start Date:  1976

End Date:  March 31, 2010

Description
TRIUMF, Canada's national facility for research in subatomic physics, is located on the campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver.
In operation since 1975, TRIUMF is an un-incorporated association established under a Joint Venture Agreement by six universities – the University of Alberta, UBC, Carleton University, Simon Fraser University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria. TRIUMF also has seven associate members: the University of Guelph, the University of Manitoba, McMaster University, l'Université de Montréal, Queen's University, the University of Regina and St. Mary's University.
TRIUMF houses a particle accelerator that produces beams of mesons and other particles used by Canadian and foreign researchers for fundamental research in nuclear and particle physics. This research lays the foundation for new technologies in the physical and life sciences, and the facility is a contributor to advanced materials research in Canada.
TRIUMF functions as Canada's gateway to international subatomic physics. It is Canada's contribution to the worldwide network of high-energy physics facilities located in every major country in the industrialized world.

Strategic Outcome(s) & Expected Results:
Operation and maintenance of the TRIUMF laboratory as a national, multi-disciplinary, accelerator-based, research facility, supporting a world-class experimental program in nuclear physics and astrophysics, and particle physics; 
Completion and operation of an expanded radioactive beam accelerator facility (ISAC‑II) to ensure that the facility remains a world leader in this field and meets the needs of the Canadian scientific community;
On behalf of the Canadian sub-atomic physics community, position itself to take scientific advantage of Canada's previous $66M investment at CERN by taking steps to initiate the Canadian CERN/ATLAS data centre.
Provide infrastructure support to the Canadian sub‑atomic physics research community; and
Maximize the economic benefits of the federal Government's investment in TRIUMF to Canadian companies through pro‑active technology transfer activities, contracts and procurement policies.

  ($ millions)

Forecast Spending 2006–2007

Planned Spending 2007–2008

Planned Spending  2008–2009

Planned Spending  2009–2010

Research & Development

 

 

 

 

Total Grants

 

1.2

1.2

1.2

Total Contributions

45.6

45.4

43.6

44.1

Total Other Types of Transfer Payments

 

 

 

 

Total Research & Development

45.6

45.4

43.6

44.1

Total TRIUMF

45.6

45.4

43.6

44.1



Name of Transfer Payment Program: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), Gemini Telescopes

Start Date:  1978 (CFHT)

End Date:  December 2012 (National Science Foundation of the US in support of the Gemini Telescopes)

Description
NRC, in partnership with other international bodies, provides financial contributions that support the management and operations of these telescopes and their related facilities, and participates in the oversight and direction of the facilities and research. Astrophysics research and development requires large, costly and very precise telescopes and related instruments situated in areas that will provide ideal viewing conditions. It is beyond the capacity of individual firms or even countries to support the costs of developing and maintaining the facilities required for astrophysics research, thus it is necessary for public sector organizations, through international partnerships, to support this R&D.

Strategic Outcome(s) & Expected Results:
Objectives:
Increase Canada's access to and beneficial sharing of world-class facilities and expertise in astrophysics;
Increase scientific collaboration among Canada and partner countries;
Increase training opportunities for Canadian scientists and researchers;
Increase opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to develop instrumentation; and
Increase knowledge and understanding of the universe by the observation and study of the heavenly bodies.

Immediate Outcomes:
Access to forefront facilities and technology is provided to Canadian astronomers;
Facilities are made available to qualified students so they can advance their training;
New technologies are developed as part of developing new concepts for new telescopes and instruments;
Timely publication of results is facilitated;
Telescope data is effectively used.

Intermediate Outcomes:
As a member of G8 and OECD, Canada plays a prominent role in international, scientific endeavors;
Scientific benefit of telescopes to the Canadian and worldwide community is maximized;
Canadian industry has increased opportunities to participate in advanced scientific projects, and increased opportunities to benefit;
New technology is transferred to industry

Strategic Outcomes:
Knowledge about the universe and the objects within is acquired;
Canada's position among the world's leaders in astronomy is enhanced and sustained.

  ($ millions)

Forecast Spending 2006–2007

Planned Spending 2007–2008

Planned Spending  2008–2009

Planned Spending  2009–2010

Research & Development

 

 

 

 

Total Grants

 

 

 

 

Total Contributions

12.6

11.3

5.5

5.5

Total Other Types of Transfer Payments

 

 

 

 

Total Research & Development

12.6

11.3

5.5

5.5

Total CFHT, JCMT & Gemini Telescopes

12.6

11.3

5.5

5.5


Table 3-11:  Horizontal Initiatives

Over the next three years, NRC will be partners in the following horizontal initiatives.  Further information on the Horizontal Initiatives may be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20072008/p3a-eng.asp.


2007-2008 to 2009-2010

Oceans Action Plan

CBRN Research and Technology Initiative

Climate Change Technology and Innovation

Enhanced representation Initiative

Program for Energy R&D

Public Security Technical Program

Youth Employment Strategy


Table 3-12: Internal Audits and Evaluations


Name of Internal Evaluations / Audits

Estimated starting time

Estimated completion time

Evaluations*

Evaluation of the Implementation of NRC’s activities under the Long Range Plan for Astronomy (NRC-HIA)

March 2006

January 2007

Implementation Evaluation of the Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Initiative (NRC-IRC) –  A Round III Technology Cluster initiative)

December 2006

June 2007

Implementation Evaluation of the Nutri-Sciences and Health (NRC-IMB-INH) –  A Round III Technology Cluster initiative

December 2006

June 2007

Evaluation of Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

September 2006

September 2007

Audits

Management Control Framework Audit – Industrial Research Assistance Program

2005/06

Spring 2007

Management Control Framework Audit – Management of Information Technology Security

Summer 2006

Winter 2007

Limited Annual Compliance Audits – Hospitality, Travel and Acquisition Cards

Winter 2007

Summer 2007

Management Control Framework Audit - Capital Investment and Planning
Spring 2007
Fall 2007
Management Control Framework Audit – Occupational Health and Safety
Fall 2007
Spring 2008
Management Control Framework Audit – Integrated Risk Management
Fall 2007
Spring 2008
Limited Annual Compliance Audits – Hospitality, Travel and Acquisition Cards
Winter 2008
Summer 2008
Follow-up Audit to 2006-07 Industrial Research Assistance Program
Spring 2008
Winter 2009
Management Control Framework Audit – Industry Partnerships Facilities
Fall 2008
Spring 2009
Management Control Framework Audit – Intellectual Property  Management
Fall 2008
Spring 2009
Management Control Framework Audit – Financial Management
Fall 2008
Spring 2009
Management Control Framework Audit – Human Resources
Winter 2009
Fall 2009
Management Control Framework Audit – Horizontal Initiatives
Winter 2009
Fall 2009
Follow-up Audit to Management of Information Technology Security
Spring 2008
Winter 2009
Limited Annual Compliance Audits – Hospitality, Travel and Acquisition Cards
Winter 2009
Summer 2009

*Evaluations scheduled for FY2007-2008 are subject to the update of the risk-based evaluation plan and the approval of Senior Executive Committee.